Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Boeing announced today that they produced the first set of wings for the newest member of the 747 family, the 747-8F. Boeing is just finishing up the last 747-400ERF airplane and is well into the production of the 747-8 series.

The first 747-8F is expected to rollout and have first flight later this fall with EIS in the third quarter of 2010.

Here is Boeing's press release:

EVERETT, Wash., April 21, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has completed major assembly of the first set of wings for the 747-8 Freighter. The new 135-foot 3-inch (41.2 m) wings incorporate the latest aerodynamic technologies to fly farther and more efficiently. The advanced airfoil provides improved overall performance and greater fuel capacity.

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter and Intercontinental are the new high-capacity 747s that offer airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger or freighter airplane, while providing enhanced environmental performance.